Want to get pregnant? Think or hope you might be pregnant? Do you have symptoms that you hope might indicate you’re pregnant, but your period is not due for another week? Here are six of the top symptoms that could be telling you, you’re about to become a Mum!
Could I be Pregnant?
When trying for a baby, every woman looks for changes in her body that could indicate pregnancy. A twinge here, an ache there are all looked at in a very different light for the prospective mother. So how do you know you’re pregnant in the first 14 days? A little bit of women's intuition and recognising the symptoms!
Morning Sickness
True morning sickness doesn’t kick in until weeks 4-12. However, the high levels of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) present to make sure you maintain your early pregnancy could make you feel a little unwell. This type of early morning sickness can be compared to motion sickness. You may feel a ‘bit queasy’ but not actually physically sick. The sickness can come in the morning, afternoon or evening, but the thing you will notice is that it will keep coming back day after day.
Sore Breasts
Many women experience Pre-Menstrual Syndrome in the days running up to their period. However, sore breasts due to early pregnancy take this discomfort to a whole new level. Really, ‘sore breasts’ just doesn’t cover it. Accidentally brushing your arm against them can have you grinding your teeth in pain. Touching the nipples can feel like you’re dragging razor blades across them. In truth it’s PMS but 100 times worse!
Implantation Bleeding
Once your egg is fertilised in the fallopian tubes, it makes its way south to find a nice place to stay in your womb. Around 4-6 days after you have conceived, you may notice a little bleeding, brown discharge or even a light period as the egg burrows into the blood rich lining of your womb. This is called implantation bleeding and could be accompanied by light stomach cramps. If it is accompanied by severe pain, you should consult your doctor to ensure you are not having an Ectopic Pregnancy (or a pregnancy that is in your fallopian tube rather than womb).
Period Pains or Stomach Cramps?
The first few days of your pregnancy can be accompanied by stomach cramps. Not full-on period pains, but a vague discomfort similar to the days before a normal period. This is due to the ligaments in your womb stretching to accommodate the baby.
Unexplained Tiredness
Your body is working so hard to accommodate your new baby that it’s exhausted! One of the main symptoms of pregnancy, that is hard to miss, is absolute overwhelming tiredness. You may be a night owl who is able to burn the candle at both ends and still wake up bright eyed and bushy tailed – not any more! You will feel so tired you will be longing for early nights and lie-ins. Even light housework, gardening or shopping will leave you feeling like you’ve run a marathon. Your body is telling you to slow down and rest, so give in and rest.
Every woman is different, and inevitably so are their pregnancies. You may also experience some, all or none of the six main symptoms (which explains why some women go into hospital with a suspected stomach ulcer and come out with a baby!) You could also experience some or all of the following symptoms too:
- Changes In Toilet Habits. You could need to urinate more frequently, or even be a little constipated.
- Irritability. You might be crying one minute and spoiling for a fight the next.
- Vaginal Discharge. It may get heavier and thicker following conception.
- Food Cravings Or Aversions. You may find that things you eat are even more desirable or make you feel physically sick.
- Sensitivity To Smells. You may be much more sensitive or feel sick at the smell of perfumes, odours or chemicals.
- Heartburn. You may notice some acid reflux or indigestion after meals.
Take a Pregnancy Test
Around 14 days after conception, your period should be due. If it hasn’t arrived, it’s time to take a pregnancy test. There are many good pregnancy tests on the market – some can be used just before your next period is due, and some can even tell you how many weeks pregnant you are. You can also ask your pharmacist to do an in-store test by taking in a sample of your first morning’s urination. Alternatively, visit your doctor and find out the good news in person!
Johanna Tovey - Johanna Tovey has enjoyed a long and varied career as a through-the-line Creative (copywriter). Working at some of the world’s top ...
